Craft Beer News
PorchDrinking brings you the breaking in craft beer news.
Why I’m Giving up Hazy IPAs in 2019
December 19, 2018 | Mike Zoller 1In 2019 I’m giving up the haze crazy, hop bombs, and juice boxes. I’m doing this not to rebel or revolt against the New England IPA. It’s a matter of self-control and I just didn’t do a good job of that this past year. It’s a fine style of beer that has taken this industry by storm and helped launch some of the most well-known breweries today, but personally, in 2018 I just gravitated towards them too often. Read More
Dogfish Head Stretches its Creative Roots with New Alternate Takes Whiskey Series
December 18, 2018 | Taylor LaabsDelaware-based Dogfish Head is anything but timid when it comes to their product. From beers made with space rocks to colorful creations that combine beer and wine, the brewery most known for their intensely-hopped IPAs has made it a point to expand their creative profile beyond just beer into the lucrative distilling space. After experimenting with small batches of spirits in as early as 2002, Dogfish put their foot in the ground in 2015 with the launch of their new distillery which creates 100 percent scratch-made gin, whiskey, rum and vodka at their Milton, DE location. Now, the ambitious brewery and distiller is taking things one step further with the launch of their Alternate Takes spirits program that aims to shake up the traditional liquor you see on your local liquor store shelves.
First Look | Cellar West Artisan Ales Re-Opens Today in Lafayette
December 14, 2018 | Scott WeikertAfter over two years in North Boulder, Cellar West Artisan Ales is moving to a new home in nearby Lafayette, CO.
From the start, Zachary Nichols, the owner/brewer at Cellar … Read More
Here’s Where to Find Founders Brewing CBS & KBS in Colorado
December 14, 2018 | Tristan ChanWhen we first broke the news back in August that Founders Brewing would finally be arriving in Colorado for distribution, the immediate flood of questions we fielded from readers centered … Read More
Dovetail Brewery Releases Helles as First Can
December 12, 2018 | Ana PlefkaAlmost one year after releasing its first bottled beer, Dovetail Brewery brings its signature Helles to cans. Beginning this week, locals can pick up a four-pack of the 16-ounce cans at the brewery’s North Center taproom. Read More
Q/A: Peter Bouckaert On Why He Joined Melvin Brewing’s Board
December 10, 2018 | Tristan ChanLast month industry titan Peter Bouckaert, co-founder of Purpose Brewing and former Brewmaster at New Belgium Brewing, made headlines when Forbes reported that he would be joining the Melvin Brewing … Read More
Great Divide Announces 2019 Beer Release Calendar & New Packaging
December 7, 2018 | Tristan ChanGreat Divide Brewing is planning to make some significant changes not just to their beer lineup in 2019, but also in their branding and the way they will package their … Read More
Resolute Brewing Opening Arvada Taproom and Barrel-Aging Facility
December 7, 2018 | Tristan ChanIt’s been a big year for Centennial’s Resolute Brewing. In January 2018, they announced the addition of Justin Burnsed as Head Brewer, who joined the Resolute team after previously brewing … Read More
Founders Brewing 2019 Beer Release Calendar Teases Return of CBS
December 3, 2018 | Mathew PowersJust as Santa prepares to deliver toys across the globe, Founders Brewing has announced what gifts it has in store for beer drinkers throughout 2019. Founders, which recently expanded its distribution to a total of 47 states by adding Colorado, has unveiled its 2019 Beer Release Calendar. One item that jumps off the page involves the inclusion of its increasingly popular Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS).
How Craft Brewers Use Their Influence to Help Out Man’s Best Friend
November 30, 2018 | Taylor LaabsTis the season for Christmas cheer, hearty beer and giving back to those in need. Craft brewers connect to their local communities—and beyond—not only through their beer but also their charitable acts and community outreach. Look no farther than the 1,000+ breweries who have teamed up with Sierra Nevada to brew beer to aid in the Campfire recovery. Brewing beer for good or for a purpose gives craft brewers the ability to create actual change in their communities and for causes that they care about, which extends far past just human-to-human outreach.
Interweaving the love of their four-legged friends into business activity has become a standard practice for breweries across the U.S. While many breweries employ cats to help in pest control, even more advocate for man’s best friend through unique beers, adoption programs and charitable initiatives that come from breweries who have a particular passion for the dogs in their lives. Here’s a look at how several craft brewers embrace and spread the love of their favorite furry friends.
21st Amendment Brewery Announces Colorado Distribution
November 28, 2018 | Tristan ChanIt’s been a banner year for national breweries expanding their distribution footprint to include the Centennial State. Anchored by household brands like Bell’s and Founders, and recently Brooklyn Brewery, 21st Amendment … Read More
Revolution Brewing Expands Freedom Session Sour Series
November 26, 2018 | Mike ZollerIn what could be a sign of changing times, Revolution Brewing announced earlier this month, that they would begin expanding their Freedom Session Sour lineup making that series available in cans all year round. Next up in the series is a Kettle Sour with black currants called Freedom of Press. In order to make room for those beers, a Revolution staple, Bottom Up Wit, will no longer be canned.
Complete Results from the 2018 Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB)
November 17, 2018 | Tristan ChanOver the past 16 years, Chicago’s Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers has quickly established itself as one of the preeminent showcases of barrel-aged beers in the country. This two-day festival not only … Read More
First Impressions on Revolution Brewing’s 2018 Deth’s Tar and its Two Variants
November 11, 2018 | Taylor LaabsTwo releases in and this year’s version of Revolution Brewing Deep Wood Series is shaping up to be its best so far. After the daring idea to can its barrel-aged creations last year, the Chicago-based brewery decided to push the limits even further in 2018 by expanding the lineup to 10 ambitious beers, including new offerings such as Code Switch and Deth by Currants. The second release happens this Friday, November 16 at its Kedzie Taproom location (3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL) and will feature the popular Deth’s Tar, the highly-acclaimed Cafe Deth and the new Deth by Currants, which won the fan vote for best fruited variant.
We were lucky enough to get early access to these three Deth-inspired stouts and came away wholly impressed. Here are our initial thoughts.
Revolution’s Wil Turner to Join Open Outcry as Head of Brewery Operations
November 8, 2018 | Mike ZollerChicago’s largest craft brewery will be searching for a new head brewpub brewer as Revolution Brewing’s Wil Turner is making the move to the Southside where he will become Open Outcry’s new head of brewery operations.
“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have Wil as our Head Pub Brewer the past seven years,” Revolution’s Director of Retail Operations Meg Rutledge said. “Someone with his talent and decades of experience is hard to find, and it will be tough to see him go. At the same time, Open Outcry is getting a great brewer, and we wish Wil all the success in the world.”
Local Breweries Reach into Backyards & Communities for Ingredients
November 7, 2018 | Brian HaitzAt PorchDrinking, we’re all about “drinking small” and supporting our local beer communities, so when we heard of some smaller breweries using locally sourced ingredients from their own yards, gardens, and communities, we were immediately intrigued. Ingredients can be one of the most challenging parts of running a brewery; locating, coordinating, and purchasing these items for smaller breweries is a moving target. The following local breweries are getting creative by using community connections to create beers that both tie directly to their area while creating completely unique brews for their neighborhood.
Five Great Chicago Stouts You Don’t Have to Line Up For
November 6, 2018 | Mike ZollerWe have officially entered that time of year where breweries begin releasing their big, barrel-aged beers. Many come with massive release events that can draw large crowds and (of course) long lines. The beers might be hard to get and if you don’t get them on release day…you’re out of luck.
Surly Brewing | Darkness Variants
November 1, 2018 | Mike ZollerSurly Brewing Darkness has always been a highly coveted stout come the fall. The Russian imperial stout typically is available in a non barrel-aged version and a barrel-aged version. To change things up, Surly announced three variants, each in a different type of barrel and available only at Darkness Day.
Cruz Blanca Brewery Launches Sour Program in Chicago’s West Loop
October 31, 2018 | Mike ZollerChicago’s West Loop neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic restaurants. From Girl and the Goat to Au Cheval, followed by an endlessly growing list, it’s a Chicago hot spot for eating but also drinking. While there are a lot of places to get great cocktails in the West Loop, the craft beer scene is also becoming more prominent in the area and starting to make a name for itself. Read More
4th Tap Brewing Cooperative Brews Spooky Concept for Haunted House Entertainment Pioneer
October 30, 2018 | Pam CatoeHalloween is upon us and haunted house fans in Texas know the House of Torment in Austin, Texas is as good as it gets. Nationally recognized, this pioneer in haunted entertainment features three re-imagined immersive experiences and a new bar, Torment Tavern. Read More
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